WILSONVILLE, Ore. — Work on the new Oregon Korean War Interpretive Center started back in 2020, funded by donations, including gifts from the government of South Korea.

The center features artifacts from battles, interactive maps and stories of combat from Oregon veterans.

Walter Fultz was just 17 when he joined the Navy back in 1950. He headed off to serve in the Korean War with no idea what was ahead of him.

On Saturday, he was honored alongside other Korean War veterans with the opening of an interpretive center in Wilsonville.

"People need to know the sacrifice of all the families and Americans who died to keep this country safe," Fultz shared.

The interpretive center is next to the Oregon Korean War Memorial and features 24 personal video testimonials from veterans, such as Dr. Michael Williamson, who said he still has strong personal ties to the country.

"We've helped them economically to restore their economy, culture and military," said Williamson. "I even have a granddaughter that's over there right now, teaching the Korean kids English in their native language."

It took $190,000 in donations from the South Korean government, veterans and various organizations to get this center off the ground.

Photos of young men and women who served, maps of battles and even artifacts of weapons used in the conflict are on display.

Greg Caldwell, from the Korean War Memorial Foundation of Oregon, said the center shows a realistic depiction of war from a personal perspective.

"So the next generation can know about the Korean War," said Caldwell, "the cost and sacrifice of war."

Gove. Tina Kotek even spoke at the opening ceremony in honor of her father who served in the Korean War. 

The interpretive center will now be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.